U.S. patent application number 11/938622 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-14 for inflatable extremity elevation device.
Invention is credited to Joel Bastien, Christophe Blanchard.
Application Number | 20090119845 11/938622 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40622309 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090119845 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bastien; Joel ; et
al. |
May 14, 2009 |
INFLATABLE EXTREMITY ELEVATION DEVICE
Abstract
An inflatable extremity elevation device is provided. The device
includes an outer shell which forms an inflatable air chamber. The
outer shell includes a support surface extending from a proximal
end to an elevated distal end. An adjustable attachment mechanism
can be arranged on the outer shell. From the proximal end to the
elevated distal end, the support surface can form a concave support
surface portion, a substantially planar support surface portion,
and a convex support surface portion. The adjustable attachment
mechanism can secure a portion of an extremity against the
substantially planar support surface portion such that a distal
jointed portion of the extremity can naturally come to rest on the
convex support surface portion. The device helps prevent excessive
pre- and post-operative swelling of an extremity by allowing the
extremity to heal in a natural elevated resting position.
Inventors: |
Bastien; Joel; (Valley
Stream, NY) ; Blanchard; Christophe; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICE OF PETER G. KORYTNYK, PLLC
213 S. Payne Street
Alexandria
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
40622309 |
Appl. No.: |
11/938622 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/646 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 16/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
5/646 |
International
Class: |
A47C 20/00 20060101
A47C020/00 |
Claims
1. An inflatable extremity elevation device comprising: an outer
shell forming an inflatable air chamber and defining a support
surface having a length extending from a proximal end to an
elevated distal end thereof; and an adjustable attachment mechanism
arranged on the outer shell; wherein from the proximal end to the
elevated distal end, the support surface forms a concave support
surface portion, a substantially planar support surface portion,
and a convex support surface portion; and wherein the adjustable
attachment mechanism is capable of securing a portion of an
extremity against the substantially planar support surface portion
such that a distal jointed portion of the extremity can bend and
naturally come to rest on the convex support surface portion.
2. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein
the concave support surface portion is arranged to receive a
proximal jointed portion of the extremity and allow it to bend and
naturally come to rest thereon when the adjustable attachment
mechanism secures a portion of the extremity against the
substantially planar support surface portion.
3. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein at
any point along the length of the support surface, the support
surface is flat as measured across a width thereof in an inflated
condition of the outer shell.
4. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein a
breathable cushion is arranged along at least a portion of the
length of the support surface.
5. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein
the outer shell includes a planar bottom side and the substantially
planar support surface portion forms an obtuse angle of about
95.degree. to about 105.degree. with the planar bottom side of the
outer shell.
6. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 5, wherein
the substantially planar support surface portion forms an obtuse
angle of about 100.degree. with the planar bottom side of the outer
shell.
7. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein
the convex support surface portion has a radius of curvature of
about 1.300 inches to about 1.800 inches.
8. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 7, wherein
the convex support surface portion has a radius of curvature of
about 1.500 inches.
9. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 1, wherein
the outer shell forms a single inflatable air chamber and supports
a self-inflation mechanism.
10. An extremity elevation device comprising: an outer shell
forming an inflatable air chamber, the outer shell including an
undulating support surface having a length extending from a
proximal end to an elevated distal end thereof; wherein from the
proximal end to the distal end, the support surface forms a
proximal support surface portion, a substantially planar angled
support surface portion, and a convex elevated support surface
portion; and wherein the convex elevated support surface portion is
curved with respect to the substantially planar angled support
surface portion to allow a natural cascade of a wrist and hand to
fall onto the convex elevated support surface portion when a
forearm is secured against the substantially planar angled support
surface and an elbow is movably supported on the proximal support
surface portion.
11. The extremity elevation device of claim 10, wherein the
proximal support surface portion is concave in shape.
12. The extremity elevation device of claim 10, wherein the outer
shell includes a planar bottom side and the substantially planar
elevated support surface portion forms an obtuse angle of about
95.degree. to about 105.degree. with the planar bottom side of the
outer shell.
13. The extremity elevation device of claim 12, wherein the
substantially planar elevated support surface portion forms an
obtuse angle of about 100.degree. with the planar bottom side of
the outer shell.
14. The extremity elevation device of claim 10, wherein the convex
elevated support surface portion has a radius of curvature of about
1.300 inches to about 1.800 inches.
15. The extremity elevation device of claim 14, wherein the convex
elevated support surface portion has a radius of curvature of about
1.500 inches.
16. The extremity elevation device of claim 10, wherein the outer
shell forms a single inflatable air chamber and supports a
self-inflation mechanism.
17. An inflatable extremity elevation device comprising: an outer
shell forming an inflatable air chamber and defining a support
surface extending from a proximal end to an elevated distal end
thereof, the support surface forming a concave support surface
portion, a substantially planar angled support surface portion, and
a convex elevated support surface portion from the proximal end to
the elevated distal end; an adjustable attachment mechanism
arranged on the outer shell about the substantially planar angled
support surface portion; wherein the outer shell includes a planar
bottom side and the substantially planar angled support surface
portion forms an obtuse angle of about 95.degree. to about
105.degree. with the planar bottom side of the outer shell.
18. The inflatable extremity elevation device of claim 17, wherein
the convex elevated support surface portion has a radius of
curvature of about 1.300 inches to about 1.800 inches.
19. The extremity elevation device of claim 17, wherein the outer
shell forms a single inflatable air chamber and supports a
self-inflation mechanism.
20. The extremity elevation device of claim 17, wherein a
breathable cushion is arranged along at least a portion of a length
of the support surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present teachings relate to an inflatable extremity
elevation device. In particular, the present teachings relate to a
lightweight, compact, and comfortable inflatable extremity elevator
device that can help prevent excessive pre- and post-operative
swelling of an extremity, such as an upper arm, by allowing the
extremity to heal in a natural elevated resting position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has been medically proven that the elevation of an
extremity, such as an injured hand, following an operation or
accident is beneficial for wound healing, recovery of function, and
patient comfort. By elevating the hand while a patient is sitting
or recumbent, a nearly continuous balance against hematoma and
edema fluid formation can be provided.
[0003] Various types of braces and supports have been provided for
retaining extremities in an elevated position with respect to the
rest of the patient's body. Such known extremity elevating devices
include slings, overhead hooks, pillows, splints, foam supports,
and others. However, these known hand elevating devices are
generally very confining, bulky, and uncomfortable as they do not
allow the extremity to be held in a natural resting position. This
has resulted in complaints and discourages patient compliance.
[0004] More commonly used foam supports are rigid, not durable, not
reusable, hyper-allergenic, readily host infections, and are
extremely bulky making them uncomfortable to use and cumbersome to
store.
[0005] Known inflatable supports do not promote patient compliance
as they are uncomfortable to wear as they lock the elbow into a
rigid, non-natural position. The elbow is locked by surrounding the
sides of the forearm and upper arm with lateral chamber sections.
Moreover, the wrist and hand of the patient are not provided with a
resting surface providing additional discomfort. Such an inflatable
support is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,809 to Meals.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a pre- and post-
operative extremity elevation device that is durable, lightweight,
compact, storable, easily maintained, and comfortable thereby
encouraging patient compliance by not imparting undue strain or
discomfort on the effected body area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present teachings disclose an inflatable extremity
elevation device that helps prevent excessive pre- and
post-operative swelling of the extremity by allowing the extremity
to heal in a natural elevated resting position.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present teachings, an
inflatable extremity elevation device can include an outer shell
forming an inflatable air chamber and defining a support surface
having a length extending from a proximal end to an elevated distal
end thereof. An adjustable attachment mechanism can be arranged on
the outer shell. From the proximal end to the elevated distal end,
the support surface can form a concave support surface portion, a
substantially planar support surface portion, and a convex support
surface portion. The adjustable attachment mechanism can be capable
of securing a portion of an extremity against the substantially
planar support surface portion such that a distal jointed portion
of the extremity can bend and naturally come to rest on the convex
support surface portion.
[0009] According to another embodiment of the present teachings, an
extremity elevation device can include an outer shell forming an
inflatable air chamber. The outer shell can include an undulating
support surface having a length extending from a proximal end to an
elevated distal end thereof. From the proximal end to the distal
end, the support surface can form a proximal support surface
portion, a substantially planar angled support surface portion, and
a convex elevated support surface portion. The convex elevated
support surface portion can be curved with respect to the
substantially planar angled support surface portion to allow a
natural cascade of a wrist and hand to fall onto the convex
elevated support surface portion when a forearm is secured against
the substantially planar angled support surface and an elbow is
movably supported on the proximal support surface portion.
[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the present
teachings, an inflatable extremity elevation device can include an
outer shell forming an inflatable air chamber. The outer shell can
define a support surface extending from a proximal end to an
elevated distal end thereof. The support surface can form a concave
support surface portion, a substantially planar angled support
surface portion, and a convex elevated support surface portion from
the proximal end to the elevated distal end. An adjustable
attachment mechanism can be arranged on the outer shell about the
substantially planar angled support surface portion. The outer
shell can include a planar bottom side and the substantially planar
angled support surface portion can form an obtuse angle of about
95.degree. to about 105.degree. with the planar bottom side of the
outer shell.
[0011] Additional features and advantages of various embodiments
will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows, and,
in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned
by practice of various embodiments. The objectives and other
advantages of various embodiments will be realized and attained by
means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in
the description herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the inflatable extremity
elevation device of the present teachings attached to the upper
extremity of a patient;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the extremity elevation device
of the present teachings;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the extremity elevation
device of the present teachings;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the extremity elevation device of
the present teachings;
[0016] FIG. 5 is front view of the extremity elevation device of
the present teachings;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the extremity elevation device of
the present teachings; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is another right side view of the extremity elevation
device of the present teachings showing the dimensions of the
device.
[0019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only, and are intended to provide an explanation of
various embodiments of the present teachings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, an inflatable extremity elevation
device 20 of the present teachings is shown affixed to an upper
extremity, or arm, A, of a patient. The inflatable extremity
elevation device 20 provides support for the patient's arm A with
the hand H elevated such that the hand and elbow are in a natural
resting position. The inflatable extremity elevation device 20 can
also be used to support the lower extremities of a patient. By
securely elevating the extremity and providing cushioned support in
a natural resting position, the inflatable extremity elevation
device 20 of the present teachings can achieve pre- and post-
operative edema control while promoting patient compliance.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the inflatable extremity
elevation device 20 includes an outer shell 30 which defines an air
chamber 40 having a generally L-shaped cushion configuration in an
inflated condition.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the generally L-shaped inflatable outer
shell 30 is formed by a generally horizontally extending base
member 34 and a generally upwardly extending angled support member
38. The L-shaped inflatable outer shell 30 can also include a back
support member 42 which is arranged behind the angled support
member 38 to provide support thereto. Each of the base member 34,
angled support member 38, and back support member 42 can be
arranged in fluid communication with one another. In such a
configuration, the inflatable extremity elevation device 20 can
define a single air chamber 40 that can be quickly and easily
inflated for patient use, and quickly and easily deflated for
storage.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 3, the distal end portion of the angled
support member 38 can integrally form an extremity rest area 46. As
will be discussed below, the extremity rest area 46 forms a curved
surface against which a patient's hand H, for example, can be
supported in an elevated and naturally angled position with respect
to the patient's forearm. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, at the
extremity rest area 46, the extremity elevation device 20 can
include a user accessible valve 50. The valve 50 can be a manually
actuated valve which allows manual inflation or deflation of the
air chamber 40 by the user.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, at the extremity rest area 46,
the extremity elevation device 20 can also include an automatic or
self-inflation mechanism 54. The automatic self-inflation mechanism
54 can include, for example, a carbon dioxide cylinder. A user
accessible pull cord 58 can be provided to allow user activation of
the automatic inflation mechanism 54. Since the base member 34,
angled support member 38, and back support member 42 can be
arranged in fluid communication with each other, activation of the
automatic inflation mechanism 54 can result in quick self-inflation
of the extremity elevation device 20. When the manual valve 50 is
opened, the inflatable armrest 20 can be quickly and easily
deflated, and then folded and stored.
[0025] The manually operated valve 50 and/or the automatic
inflation mechanism 54 can be arranged to be conveniently tucked
away or secured within the extremity rest area 46. While the
manually operated valve 50 and the automatic inflation mechanism 54
are shown being arranged in the extremity rest area 46 of the
angled support member 38, they could be arranged in other portions
of the extremity elevation device 20.
[0026] The inflatable outer shell 30 may be formed by a plurality
of flexible panels of sheet material. The panels of sheet material
can be made of any composition that can be readily cleaned, for
example, any plastic material such as vinyl. Examples of medical
grade plastics include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (Di(2-ethylhexyl)
phthalate (DEHP) and non-DEHP), polypropylene (PP), and ethylene
vinyl acetate (EVA) based flexible sheets. The sheet material can
be transparent.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 2-6, vertically arranged side panels 22,
24 of sheet material can define the sides of the outer shell 30 of
the extremity elevation device 20. The side panels 22, 24 define
the exterior shape of the base member 34 and of the angled support
member 38. The outer shell 30 also includes one or more panels 26
of sheet material that extend between the side panels 22, 24. The
panels 26 are joined to the side panels 22, 24 along the outer
edges of the side panels 22, 24. The panels 26 define the top,
bottom, front and back, and define the width, W, of the extremity
elevation device 20. The panels 26 provide a support surface 60
upon which a patient's extremity can be supported in a natural
resting position, as will be described in more detail below.
Additional panels, 82, 84, 86 of sheet material can be arranged to
form the back support member 42, see FIGS. 3 and 4. At mating
corners of each of the panels, the sheet material can be joined and
fused together in an air-tight manner to form the air chamber
40.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a length of the support surface 60 can
extend from a proximal end 62 at a front face 36 of the base member
34 to a distal end 72 at the elevated end of the angled support
member 38. From a side view as shown in FIG. 3, the support surface
60 defines an undulating surface having a generally hook-shape
which is shaped to support the extremity in a natural resting
position. The base member 34 forms a cup or concave support surface
portion 64 at the proximal end of the support surface 60. Moving
along the length of the support surface 60, the angled support
member 38 forms a substantially planar support surface portion 66.
At the extremity rest area 46 at the distal end of the angled
support member 38, the support surface 60 curves and forms a convex
support surface portion 68.
[0029] In an inflated condition of the extremity elevation device
20, at any point along the length of the support surface 60 from
the proximal end 62 to the distal end 72, the support surface 60 is
generally straight or flat as measured across the width W of the
extremity elevation device 20. On a portion or on the entirety of
the length of the support surface 60, a cushion 80 can be applied
or adhered thereto. For example, the cushion 80 can be applied to
the surface of the base member 34 starting from a proximal end 62
and can extend to the distal end 72 of the angled support member
38, see FIGS. 3 and 6. Accordingly, the cushion 80 can extend along
the concave support surface portion 64, the planar support surface
portion 66, and the convex support surface portion 68. The cushion
80 can be applied as a single integral piece or as several separate
pieces and can cover all or a portion of the width of the support
surface 66. Cushioning 80 can be applied or adhered to other
surfaces of the extremity elevation device 20, such as on a front
face 36 or on a bottom side 32 of the base member 34.
[0030] The cushion 80 can be made of any soft, compressible,
resilient material which does not degrade when exposed to moisture
or friction, and can be breathable to increase patient comfort. The
cushion can be made of a viscoelastic material, such as a
high-resiliency, high-density memory foam, or similar material. For
example, the cushion 80 can be made of a memory-type elastomer that
is capable of permanently or temporarily retaining the shape
applied to it over a period of time. Such a memory material can
include viscoelastic polyurethane foam or T-FOAM (made by Alimed,
Inc. of Dedham, Mass.).
[0031] A patient's extremity, such as an arm A, can be secured
against the cushioned support surface 60 by one or more straps 70.
In particular, in the secured position, the patient's forearm can
be secured against the angled support member 38 by the one or more
straps 70 while the patient's elbow is allowed to freely sit within
or against the concave support surface portion 64 and come to rest
in a natural resting position. At the same time, the patient's hand
is allowed to freely bend at the wrist and naturally lay on the
convex support surface 68 in a natural resting position.
[0032] The end of the one or more straps 70 can be secured to a
panel on one side of the extremity elevation device 20 and one or
more corresponding D-rings 72 can be arranged on an opposite side
of the extremity elevation device 20. The one or more straps 70 can
be provided with hook and loop-type fasteners which allow the
straps 70 to adjust and secure a portion of a patient's extremity,
such as a forearm, against the cushioned planar support surface
portion 66.
[0033] The support surface 60 forms an open resting surface for an
extremity. In other words, the open resting support surface 60 does
not provide lateral support to any part of the extremity. Such a
lateral support would confine or prevent movement of the extremity
and lead to the accumulation moisture, both of which would result
in patient discomfort.
[0034] The open resting surface along the concave support surface
portion 64 and the flexible nature of the inflatable extremity
elevation device 20 allows a patient's elbow to freely move within
a range of motion and to come to rest in a natural resting
position. A natural resting position for an elbow can be from about
95.degree. to about 105.degree., and is preferably about
100.degree. , as measured by the obtuse angle formed between the
forearm and the upper arm. At the same time, the open resting
surface allows a patient's wrist and hand to move within a range of
motion and to come to rest in a natural resting position onto the
convex support surface portion 68. A natural resting position for
the wrist and hand can be from about 165.degree. to about
170.degree., and is preferably about 167.5.degree., as measured by
the obtuse angle formed between the forearm and the wrist/hand.
[0035] By allowing the patent's elbow, wrist, and hand to come to
rest in a natural resting position, the open resting support
surface 60 provides a high level of comfort to the patient.
Moreover, the open support surface 60 along with the use of one or
more adjustable straps 70 allows bandage of all sizes to fit
comfortably with the elevation device 20 of the present
teachings.
[0036] The shape of the extremity elevation device 20 of the
present teachings allows a patient's extremity to be supported in
the natural resting positions as discussed above. Referring to FIG.
7, the planar support surface portion 66 of the angled support
member 38 can be arranged to extend at an obtuse angle, X, with
respect to the horizontal bottom side 32 of the base member 34.
This obtuse angle, X, can be from about 100.degree. to about
110.degree., and preferably can be about 105.degree..
[0037] The concave support surface portion 64 can have a curvature
and can form a portion of a flexible wall at the proximal end 62.
The wall can have a flexibility such that when a patient's elbow is
arranged within or on the concave support surface portion 64, the
elbow can be freely moved between at least the angles defining the
range of a natural resting position for an elbow, i.e. from about
95.degree. to about 105.degree., as discussed above. A height HB,
as measured from the horizontal bottom side 32 of the base member
34 to the highest portion of the proximal end 62 of the concave
support surface portion 64 can be about 3.625 inches to about 4.625
inches, and can preferably be about 4.125 inches. Moreover, the
concave support surface portion 64 can be arranged to extend at an
angle, Y, with respect to the horizontal bottom side 32 of the base
member 34. This angle, Y, can be from about 55.degree. to about
65.degree., and preferably can be about 60.degree..
[0038] The extremity rest area 46 at the distal end of the angled
support member 38 can be in the shape of a cylinder. The
cylindrical shape of the extremity rest area 46 provides increased
support at the convex support surface portion 68. The extremity
rest area 46 can have a diameter D, of from about 2.625 inches to
about 3.625 inches, and preferable a diameter of about 3.125
inches. In other words, the convex support surface portion 68 can
have a radius of curvature of about 1.300 inches to about 1.800
inches, and preferably about 1.500 inches. The cylindrical shape of
the extremity rest area 46 operates to curve the support surface 60
and allow a patient's hand H, for example, to rest in a natural
cascade against the curvature of the convex support surface portion
68. The curvature of the extremity rest area 46 can be arranged
such that the patient's wrist can be moved between at least the
angles defining the range of a natural resting position of a wrist,
from about 165.degree. to about 170.degree., as discussed
above.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, the width W of the device 20 can be
from about 6 inches to about 8 inches, and preferably is about 7
inches. The height H of the device 20 can be from about 13 inches
to about 15 inches, and preferably about 14 inches. Referring to
FIG. 7, the depth D of the device 20 can be from about 11 inches to
about 13 inches, and preferably about 12 inches. The depth DB of
the base member 34 can be from about 9.500 inches to about 11.500
inches, and preferably about 10.500 inches.
[0040] The extremity elevation device 20 of the present teachings
improves patient compliance by allowing an extremity to be securely
elevated and to rest in a natural resting position. The shape of
the base member 34 and of the angled support member 38 allows an
elbow and wrist to be moved while a forearm is secured in the
extremity elevation device 20. The angled support member 38 and
convex support surface portion 68 are arranged to provide a natural
resting surface for the wrist and hand. By securely elevating an
extremity and providing cushioned support, the inflatable extremity
elevation device 20 of the present teachings can achieve pre- and
post- operative edema control. By making the inflatable outer shell
out of a plastic material makes the extremity elevation device 20
durable, lightweight, compact, storable, easily maintained, and
hypo-allergenic. The design of the extremity elevation device 20 of
the present teachings encourages patient compliance by not
imparting undue strain or discomfort on the effected extremity.
[0041] Those skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoing
description that the present teachings can be implemented in a
variety of forms. Therefore, while these teachings have been
described in connection with particular embodiments and examples
thereof, the true scope of the present teachings should not be so
limited. Various changes and modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the teachings herein.
* * * * *